The awards, held the night before the Oscars, puts the spotlight on independent, artist driven and lower budget fare.

“Silver Linings Playbook,” a favorite of Academy voters as well, was named best independent feature. The movie’s Jennifer Lawrence won best actress, and director David O. Russell won the best screenplay and best director awards.

John Hawkes of “The Sessions” won the best actor prize edging “Playbook’s” Bradley Cooper. Helen Hunt won best supporting actress for her work in “Sessions.”

The best supporting actor Spirit Award went to Matthew McConaughey for “Magic Mike.”